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Gary Neville criticises United: “There’s no quality – except Januzaj”

Former Old Trafford scathing in his assessment after Sunderland reach Capital One Cup final.

Gary Neville pulled no punches in his assessment of Manchester United after David Moyes’s side were knocked out of the Capital One Cup on penalties.

Jonny Evans and Javier Hernandez were on target for United as they took the second leg of the semi-final all the way to penalties, despite David De Gea’s late error gifting Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley a goal.

But it was a nightmare for the home team on spot-kicks, as Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones blasted their penalties over the bar, and Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone saved from Rafael and Adnan Januzaj.

Sunderland booked their place in the final against ManchesterCity, and piled even more pressure on Moyes. And former United right-back Neville, working as Sky Sports pundit, was hugely critical.

Neville said: “They didn’t do enough. When you don’t dominate games, when you don’t take games away from teams, you’re in the lap of the Gods.

“They haven't got enough, it’s as simple as that. There’s not enough creativity in the final third, the tempo’s not quick enough. Rooney and Van Persie - ruthless forwards and big influences - are massive misses on nights like tonight.”

Neville suggested the only player exempt from criticism was the teenager Januzaj, who produced another lively attacking display before his missed penalty.

“He’s the only quality at the moment, Januzaj,” said Neville. “He’s the only one who looks like he has the composure to actually find a pass and do the right thing in the final third. Everyone else is a bit tense. That to me is a big compliment to him, but also big pressure.

“There are some good quality players on the pitch but you have to take big moments.

“They were always under pressure, and the pressure was never relieved. They’ve allowed the game to drift and not done enough. Credit to them for getting into it but also credit to Sunderland for being resolute and staying in the game.”